On Monday 2 April, the Down Syndrome Association was one of the guests on Smash TV programme Realtà. We were invited to discuss the post-secondary education for persons who have Down syndrome.

During the programme, the presenter quoted from a newspaper article that had appeared the previous day in which it was stated that there will be a change in special schools as from October.

Once or twice our chairperson Marthese Mugliette, who was representing our association, asked both representatives of the Education Ministry present to confirm whether the 16-year-old persons who have Down syndrome and are in their last scholastic term can put their minds at rest that in October they are to benefit from a new post-secondary system adapted to their needs.

Unfortunately, in spite of the direct questions made to the two representatives of the ministry, our association is not in a position to put the parents’ minds at rest that in October their children are to benefit from post-secondary education as their peers.

According to the article, Dr Galea confirmed that the course for intellectually disabled persons offered by MCAST stopped because MCAST “was not a good institution for a similar course.” We ask: “Are the special schools the right institutions with the right environment for a similar course?

Who were the professionals who made these decisions? Is this the next wise step to be taken after our children benefited from an inclusive system? Why haven’t we been involved in these decisions?”

Regretfully, the association notes that although the authorities give us the impression that they believe in the parents’ involvement with regard to their children, the association has not been involved in the plans referred to during the Realtà programme in connection with the post-secondary education for our children.

The Down Syndrome Association again appeals to the authorities concerned to hear what the parents have to say because surely, the parents always put the best interest of their children on the very top of the agenda before a serious decision like this is taken – a decision that means so much to these persons.

Pio Fenech

PRO

Down Syndrome Association

Mellieha